Andernos-les Bains

We took advice from Largs Academy about which country would be appropriate at this time. It was felt that France would be a good choice as it would fit in to the school curriculum and enable close educational links to be formed with our twin town. During our search for a suitable twin, we learned that Andernos-les-Bains was seeking a twin in Britain. During a visit to the town in October 2006, the Largs representatives were made very welcome (although Scotland beat France at football that same evening). Further contact ensued over the next two years including a visit to Largs and North Ayrshire by the Mayor of Andernos. Town twinning signing ceremonies were held in Andernos in December 2008 and Largs in January 2009.

The town is situated in the Gironde department on the north-east shore of the Arcachon Basin in south-west France. It is some 30 miles from Bordeaux – roughly the same as Largs is from Glasgow. The town has a population of approximately 10,000 which swells in the summer time with visitors and youngsters from the city and other areas occupying ‘colonies’. The town is famous for oysters and is set close to the Bordeaux vineyards – a great combination! It is a great place to visit with very friendly people.

Historical Population

Year

Population

1962

3, 472

1986

4,676

1975

5,119

1982

5,971

1990

7,176

2015

11,687

Transportation

The closest airport is Bordeaux-Merignac (30 km)

Famous For

Oysters, Jazz, Nature Reserves, Fishing

Sights

The Great Dune of Pyla – the longest in Europe

Bird Island – with two old cabins on stilts, the ‘cabanes tchanquées’ nearby. These cabins were used by guardians of the oyster beds.

Cap Ferret light house at the end of the peninsula

Bordeaux city is a fascinating destination with strong links with the wine industry of Bordeaux; a biennial, Wine Festival and all the attractions of a lively city